BAK File Extension

What is BAK file?

Files with the BAK extension are generated by various programs and they are used to store different types of backup copies. Backup copies (as a BAK files) are created for example while saving a document edited by a user (the original version exists under the same name, with the .BAK extension filename added).

Applications such as Microsoft SQL Server use this type of files to store backup copies of its data bases. Backup copies are usually not deleted automatically, therefore, in case of loss of some data, it can be retrieved. Alternative for .BAK extensions are the .ORIG and .OLD extensions. Various programs utilising BAK files, use them to store different types of data, therefore – it is not possible to point out a specific application enabling to open a BAK file.

Frequently encountered BAK files

One of the applications utilising the BAK extension is the popular web browser – Mozilla Firefox. The application uses BAK files to store backup copies of user’s web sites’ tabs. The default name of the file is bookmarks.bak, and usually, it is located in C:Documents and SettingsUserApplication DataMozillaFirefoxProfiles (for Windows system) directory. Copying a given file onto a different device, and placing it in the specified directory, will enable to use the same tabs within a browser.

Programs which support BAK file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with BAK files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with BAK suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 06/27/2022

How to open file with BAK extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening BAK files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with BAK extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install AutoCAD software

Problems with opening and working with BAK files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BAK files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select AutoCAD or one of the recommended programs (for example, Original program, Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software Suite) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download AutoCAD installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Autodesk, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update AutoCAD to the latest version

If you already have AutoCAD installed on your systems and BAK files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that AutoCAD cannot handle files with BAK may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of AutoCAD should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Backup Format files with AutoCAD

After installing AutoCAD (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open BAK files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the BAK file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where AutoCAD is installed, check the Always use this app to open BAK files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the BAK file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select AutoCAD and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with BAK extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the BAK file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the BAK file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The BAK may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the BAK file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the BAK file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with BAK extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the BAK file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the BAK file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run AutoCAD

If the systems has insufficient resources to open BAK files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Backup Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle BAK files.

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